more stats
4.1 miles
Distance
1,124 ft
Climb
-1,991 ft
Descent
01:19:30
Avg time
-866 ft
Altitude change
634 ft
Altitude min
1,837 ft
Altitude max
1,501 ft
Altitude start
634 ft
Altitude end
-3.969%
Grade
-33.403%
Grade max
28.695%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
2 miles
Distance down
101 ft
Distance flat
01:19:30
Avg time

Five Peaks Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Pentland Hills
    Edinburgh
  • Difficulty Rating
    Red Rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Black (5 votes)
  • Local Popularity
    30 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 55 in Trail Running
    • 85 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #98660 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #62076 in Trail Running
    • #1695 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Mixed
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Downhill Primary
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes

Note: This can be *really* busy with walkers at peak times.

Long path taking in West Kip, East Kip, Scald Law (highest point in the Pentlands), Carnethy and Turnhouse.

Apart from the initial climb to West Kip, the climbs are all rideable. The descents off the peaks are steep in places with plenty of line choice. Part way down some of the descents there are sections of gravel paths with lots of switchbacks.

This trail is unsanctioned.

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 3 rides
  • 23 miles avg distance
All
  • 29 rides
  • Last: Aug 25, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Five Peaks Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jul 23, 2026 @ 8:19pm (Europe/London)
Jul 23, 2026
 Very dry and loose, most descents have lots of loose gravel which can get sketchy. Definitely more of a black trail
May 3, 2025 @ 3:17pm
May 3, 2025
 Some decent are definetly not red. bit loose but still worth it
Apr 6, 2023 @ 10:14pm
Apr 6, 2023
Sep 13, 2022 @ 4:50am
Sep 13, 2022
 West kip push up not easy with an e bike . In places very lose and dry, with some steep sections . Would be easier to go on the grass, but...
Jun 16, 2021 @ 10:07am
Jun 16, 2021
 Dry and loose
more »
Status:
on Jul 23, 2026
Very Dry
Avg: 3.71 (8 votes)
Your vote: 0

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Trail Conditions
  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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  • Downhill Only
  • Downhill Primary
  • Both Directions
  • Uphill Primary
  • Uphill Only
  • One Direction
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Slope Aspect
Direction the slope faces
Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to five-peaks trailhead (55.829810, -3.318870)
        View on Discover Map

        Photos

        65 more »
        mtb
        130 |
        Jun 10, 2023 @ 11:41am
        Jun 10, 2023
        mtb
        114 |
        Jun 10, 2023 @ 11:41am
        Jun 10, 2023
        mtb
        118 |
        Jun 10, 2023 @ 11:41am
        Jun 10, 2023
        mtb
        97 |
        Jun 10, 2023 @ 11:41am
        Jun 10, 2023

        Videos

        10 more »
        youtuber Pentland Hills mtb. 5 Peaks Loop. FULL ROUTE...
        mtb
        4:24 | 361 | Jun 7, 2023 , Edinburgh
        youtuber Pentland Hills 5 Peaks. Stage 3. TRAVERSING...
        mtb
        46:21 | 117 | Jun 7, 2023 , Edinburgh
        youtuber Pentland Hills mtb. 5 Peaks. THE SUMMITS AND...
        mtb
        26:08 | 115 | Jun 7, 2023 , Edinburgh
        youtuber TURNHOUSE HILL. Pentland Hills MTB. Lothian....
        mtb
        13:55 | 103 | Jun 7, 2023 , Edinburgh

        Routes with this trail

        118
        Pentlands 5 Peaks Harlaw Loop
        ★ 3.3 • 15 miles • 2,748 ft • 7 • Loop •
        A loop from the Harlaw car park over the 5 peaks trail which gets you some stunning views and fun descents
        902
        5 Peaks, Allermuir, Caerketton & Bonaly
        21 miles • 4,157 ft • 9 • Loop •
        This route takes in some of the best descents in the Pentlands. You've got to find the days with less wind...
        85
        Pentland Peaks Gold
        24 miles • 4,317 ft • 9 •
        Pentland Peaks Gold Route September 2022
        3.5 ★★★★★
        8 Ratings
        5 ★ 25%
        4 ★ 50%
        3 ★
        2 ★
        1 ★ 25%

        2 Reviews & Comments


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        Frequently Asked Questions About Five Peaks

        ▼ Where is Five Peaks located?
        Five Peaks is located in Pentland Hills, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. It is part of the Pentland Hills trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 55.82981, -3.31887.
        ▼ How hard is Five Peaks?
        Five Peaks is rated as Red difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 3.969%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Five Peaks?
        Five Peaks has 1,124 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 1,991 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 634 ft to 1,837 ft.
        ▼ Is Five Peaks a point to point trail?
        Five Peaks is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is mixed.
        ▼ How long is Five Peaks?
        Five Peaks is 4.1 miles long. The trail type is mixed.
        ▼ Are dogs allowed on Five Peaks?
        Yes, dogs are allowed on Five Peaks. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
        ▼ When is the best time of year to ride Five Peaks?
        Based on activity log data, the most popular months to ride Five Peaks are:
        • June (3 activities)
        • January (1 activities)
        • February (1 activities)
        Check the reports page for current trail conditions.
        ▼ How do I access Five Peaks? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
        The closest parking and trailhead locations to Five Peaks are: View all parking locations in the area.
        ▼ How long does it take to ride Five Peaks?
        Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 1 hour 23 minutes to ride Five Peaks. The trail is 4.1 miles long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
        ▼ How busy is Five Peaks?
        Five Peaks is a less popular trail with lighter traffic. There have been 596 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 571 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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